Entertainment and Play, Surveillance, and Cultural Continuity: Review three functions of mass communication as discussed in the text. Do you agree?

While many people have different views the purpose of mass communication, the text describes five theories. According to Essentials of Mass Communication Theory, three functions of mass communication includes entertainment and play, surveillance, and cultural continuity.

The first function of mass communication is entertainment and play which refers to the assumption that while the media can be informative, it is more importantly an amusing way to pass the time. For example, William Stephenson, author of The Play Theory of Mass Communication, argues that, “at it is best mass communication allows people to become absorbed in subjective play” (Berger 122). I think that it depends on the medium and content of the mass communication to determine its function. For example, newspapers keep people update to date on important issues, but certain stories or sections, like the lifestyle section, are geared to be more fun.

The second function discusses how mass communication serves as a form of surveillance in which individuals use mass communication to stay informed about what is going in their culture. In other words, this theory states that people use the media to stay current on events. I think that this is extremely true. No one what to be uninformed about what going on in their community and the world.

The third function function reviews how mass communication serves as cultural continuity which dictates the content and direction of popular culture. Moreover, it reviews that influence that the media has on our society. I think that mass communication has played a huge part in shaping what people think, they way they dress, and what they do.